Citation

Mishra R, Geiling J. Crit. Care Clin. 2019; 35(4): 633-645.

Affiliation

Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Hanover, NH 03755, USA; Medical Service, VA Medical Center, White River Junction, VT 05009, USA.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2019, Elsevier Publishing)

DOI

10.1016/j.ccc.2019.05.002

PMID

31445610

Abstract

Chemical agents of warfare are divided into lung agents, blood agents, vesicants, and nerve agents. Intensivists must familiarize themselves with the clinical presentation and management principles in the event of a chemical attack. Key principles in management include aggressive supportive care and early administration of specific antidotes, if available. Management includes proper personal protection for critical care providers. Patients may make complete recovery with aggressive supportive care, even if they appear to have a poor prognosis. Hospitals must have an emergency response disaster plan in place to deal with all potential causes of disasters, including illnesses resulting from chemical agents.

Copyright © 2019 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Language: en

Keywords

Blood agents; Chemical agents; Chemical agents of warfare; Chemical attack; Chemical weapons of mass destruction; Intensive care unit; Nerve agents; Vesicants